When Nuchas founder Ariel Barbouth stepped onto the Shark Tank stage in Season 10 (2019), he wasn’t just serving empanadas. He was offering a handheld culinary revolution.
His gourmet food concept, built on globally inspired empanadas, had already gained strong traction in New York City.
Now in 2025, fans still wonder: what happened to Nuchas after Shark Tank? Did it thrive without a Shark? And what is Nuchas’s net worth in 2025?
Let’s explore how this no-deal moment became one of the most inspiring business stories to come out of the Tank.
What Happened on Shark Tank: A Bold Ask That Turned Heads
Ariel Barbouth entered the Tank asking for 2 million dollars in exchange for 8 percent equity. That pegged the company’s valuation at 25 million dollars.
He impressed the Sharks with his vision. Nuchas served globally inspired empanadas through food trucks, kiosks, and catering services in New York City. The taste wowed the panel, and the business had a noticeable presence in high-traffic spots like Times Square.
But the Sharks hesitated due to the high valuation.
None of the Sharks made an offer. Ariel left without funding, but with nationwide visibility.
Nuchas Pitch on Shark Tank (Quick Info Card).
| Company name | Nuchas |
| Product | Empanadas |
| Episode | Season 10 Episode 18 |
| Founder | Ariel Barbouth |
| Asked for | $2 million for 8% equity |
| Final deal | None |
| Shark | None |
| Location | USA |
If you were a Shark, would you have invested in Nuchas at a $25M valuation?
Did Shark Tank Push Nuchas Into the Spotlight
Yes, it absolutely did.
Even without a deal, Nuchas experienced the full Shark Tank Effect. Traffic spiked on their website. Social media buzzed. Online orders skyrocketed. Ariel capitalized on this momentum to expand the business across new regions.
Shortly after the show aired, Nuchas launched kiosks at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City and the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.
When the pandemic disrupted the food industry, Ariel pivoted fast. He introduced frozen empanadas for national delivery and began offering franchise opportunities.
Early hiccups with fulfillment and logistics didn’t slow them down. Nuchas continued expanding its menu with items like Argentine style medialunas and more plant-based empanadas.
Nuchas Net Worth 2025 Update
By 2025, Nuchas is a thriving food brand.
The company’s estimated net worth ranges between 12 million and 40 million dollars, depending on franchise growth and online sales metrics. Although Ariel did not land a Shark, he later secured 100,000 dollars in outside funding.
Nuchas now operates through multiple revenue streams: kiosk sales, catering services, national shipping, and a growing franchise network. They’re proving that you don’t need a Shark to build a nationally recognized brand.
Still Growing Strong in 2025: What’s Next for Nuchas
The company is still in full swing in 2025 and expanding its offerings.
Nuchas is investing in vegan and dessert empanada options. Customer reviews praise the flaky texture, inventive flavors, and ease of access. The brand continues to ship products across most of the United States and is exploring new kiosk locations in airports and convention centers.
Plans for the future include global shipping trials and a potential flagship retail space.
Where Is the Founder Today
Ariel Barbouth remains the driving force behind Nuchas.
He is active on LinkedIn and frequently appears in food business interviews. While he hasn’t launched any new ventures, he now mentors emerging Latin American entrepreneurs and contributes to culinary innovation events.
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Could Nuchas Be One of Shark Tank’s Most Surprising Wins
Even without securing a deal, Ariel’s journey shows how resourcefulness and resilience can outperform investment.
By staying focused on quality, listening to customers, and growing sustainably, Nuchas has carved out a space as one of the most successful post-Shark Tank food brands.
The next time you walk past a Nuchas kiosk, remember it all started with a bold pitch, a rejected offer, and an unwavering belief in empanadas.
TL;DR
Nuchas turned down a Shark Tank deal but still grew into a multi million dollar food brand with up to $40M net worth in 2025.
